Damian Lillard is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers on a three year, $42 million deal that includes a player option for 2027 and a no-trade clause, marking a feel good homecoming for the nine-time All-Star. Lillard, 35, suffered a torn Achilles tendon on April 27 and is expected to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season yet Portland is banking on his impact when he recovers.
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Since Lillard’s return to the front office spotlight, the Blazers’ early odds have shifted. At most sportsbooks, Portland is now a +1200 long shot to win the 2026 NBA title, reflecting both the optimism for Lillard’s potential return and reservations about the depth in the roster.
Bookmakers have the Blazers around +400 to win the Western Conference, while a bet on Lillard to make the All‑NBA First Team in 2026 sits at +2000. His first few games—likely during the late stages of the season—are currently priced at Blazers—6.5 favorites versus Sacramento and 3.5 at home against Golden State. However, those lines are contingent on his health and return timeline.
Lillard’s return redefines Portland’s off-season strategy. Adding back their franchise icon resonates politically with fans and sends a message that the Blazers aren’t just rebuilding, they’re bridging toward contention. Despite missing at least 12 weeks rehabbing, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds during his final Bucks season.
His scoring abilities had him ranking fourth in NBA history for three-pointers and eight in active total points which remains elite. Alongside new additions like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija who were parts of the Lillard deal, Portland aims to recreate the second-half success they had in 2025 when they went 23-18 without him. No doubt these kinds of moves are common and even countries like Dubai understand the importance of bringing in superstars to rely on to take their team to the next level.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has shifted gears to acquire Myles Turner to fill their frontcourt and waived Lillard to open cap space for roster flexibility. The Bucks now look to a starting five featuring Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Turner himself.
Meanwhile, in Portland, fans are excited by the symbolic return of Dame Time. Even if he joins late in the season, his presence lifts ticket sales, media buzz, and most notably, future odds.
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